Wednesday, August 26, 2009

On the anniversary of my Step Dad Tom Maynard's death yesterday, I took on our World Team Now's website obit, I reflect on all that Tom stood for-- his love of history and politics, and the special medical program he was qualified to participate in, and all he realized through his battle with pancreatic cancer about the medical system...or ideally "health care" -- Tom's lifestyle was the epitome of physical health...On the anniversary of his death we lost another advocate for heath.

Ted Kennedy touched many people, as he stood for all..I will remember him most for his Universal Health Care vision, & support of Obama at a critical juncture although also his impact on civil rights, and education are also admirable. He was a true political leader. It's a fragile time in Senate now with the causes he championed, Health Care and Energy--

I see the divinity in the timing of his passing. As many times through history, when one has done much with their life, the finally triumph is in their death, and how their spirit can grow through it's timing and circumstances beyond the force of what one could achieve having been alive.

For me, it is the admiration to preserve, be unstoppable, and remain friends with "enemies," or those who had different views. That is what impressed me most about him; his fortitude and acceptance of all, while being able to embrace the joy of life and still sailing into the wind of unchartered territory.

This has really deeply effected me today, not sure why to this extent... but there is something significant there, that resounds within a collective chord of grief...

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Remembering Tom today, as he lifted his arms like wings and looked up….

Remembering family and love that embraced him, and the love he shined in his blue eyes

Hearing a long riff from the saxophone, remembering what he taught about breath…

Remembering the love I felt holding his hand as he exhaled for the last time.

Reaching out to those who shared a moment of life with Tom--- those who remember

May he continue to live on in us, eternally…

May we bath in the love he knew from nature.

Thank you, Tom.

We remember your love.

It has been hard to accept the passing of Tom, yet I'm so thankful for his presence in my life over the years and for all he gave to our non-profit, World Team Now, and to our Board of Directors and to me as a Father. It is rare to have someone who is a rock of stability is one's personal and professional life and play a significant role in both. Tom is missed by many, but how thankful we are to have gained so much from his presence over the years. We hope his gifts can live on through our work.

Monday, July 20, 2009

As a 6th grader I met Frank a few times at the apartment but the memorable night where they got all of us, family and friends together, to try out their new play, is still an indelible moment. What a man, Frank was an inspiration. I knew Frank Mc Court, through my muse and my childhood friend Conor's father- Malachy Mc Court, Frank’s brother.

Malachy and Frank grew new definition to the word “Brothers,” as to see them play together, in their "play" working off one another ---lends new meaning to the cliché, “poetry in motion”. Eyes would remain moist, from both the roaring laugher and the tears of their shared journey growing up poor and Catholic in Ireland and their adventures in New York.

With the fame and success of “Angela’s Ashes” from Frank and Malachy’s “A Monk Swimming” we would all meet up again for "The Couple of Blaggards,” far away from our New York City lives in Hawaii. While covering the Maui Writer's Conference, more than 25 years later Frank and Malachy were the surprise Guest Speakers of the Maui Writer's conference. Again they captivated the audience with their timeless presence, of real life journies that continued to inspire.

What gifts about life through the smiling eyes of Frank Mc Court that pieced our hearts and lifted many through words of raw truth, songs of possibility, freedom, and of a life well done.